Alabama defensive linemen tell why Tide’s offensive line has potential to be college football’s best

Alabama defensive linemen, Tim Keenan III and LT Overton, shared their thoughts on the Tide’s offensive line after facing them in practice this spring during the latest episode of Alabama Athletics’ “The Bama Standard.”

Keenan, who is considered one of the top returning defensive linemen in college football, feels the Alabama offensive line forces him to be a better player in the trenches.

“Got to make sure you got speed, but you got to work your power too because them guys are long, but they can make up for it with their athleticism,” Keenan III said. “So, you get to go against all those types of O-linemen, and you can’t do nothing but get better.”

Overton is a candidate to have a breakout season in 2025, and he has placed an emphasis on improving his game. However, he has also noticed improvements from the Tide’s offensive front.

“Definitely just their intent when it comes to finishing plays and making sure the quarterback is protected,” Overton said. “I feel like those guys communicate a lot more and make sure they got each other’s backs.”

Pro Football Focus ranked Alabama’s offensive line as the best in the nation ahead of the 2025 season. Center Parker Brailsford, left tackle Kadyn Proctor and guard Jaeden Roberts were ranked in the top 10 in their respective position groups by PFF’s Max Chadwick, making the Crimson Tide the only team with three players ranked in the top 10 of his position rankings.

“Parker, he’s very quick off the ball, and he’s a smart player,” Keenan II said. “And when he’s out there communicating and everything, it’s a beauty to watch. He gets me better every time we go against each other.”

At the Bandit position, Overton has taken a lot of his reps against Proctor, who’s ranked as the No.3 offensive tackle in college football on Chadwick’s list.   

“Kadyn Proctor, you see how big he is,” Overton said. “6’8, 380. It’s hard to find somebody that big that can move and stay low at the same time.”

Roberts, who’s listed as the No.10 interior offensive lineman in the nation by Chadwick, has a PFF run-blocking grade of 77.8 since 2023. 

“Big J Rob like, you better put your big boy pants on,” Keenan said. “Bring your work boots.”  

Alabama football’s offensive line has high expectations with the amount of experience the Tide has returning.